Christmas tree extravaganza in Norfolk church

2011: An African themed event will launch the eighth annual South Norfolk Christmas Tree extravaganza, 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, at Dickleburgh Church on Saturday, December 3 at 6pm and the exhibition will run until December 10.

This year the festival is supporting Send a Cowwww.sendacow.org.uk, a UK based charity that helps African families grow enough food to eat, sell their produce and develop small businesses that last. The launch event on December 3 at 6pm will feature Rwandan carols and African drumming, as well as traditional carols accompanied by Ray Hubbard on concertina.

50 Christmas in a Church will then run from Sunday, December 4 to Sunday, December 11. The festival will be open daily 10am - 7pm, except Sunday, December 11 when it closes at 4pm for the prize giving. The festival is being sponsored by Cherry Lane Garden Centre Pulham Market, Rosedale Funeral Home and TWP Designs.

Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes, some handmade featuring special seasonal messages, will decorate the church, contributed to the event by local businesses and organisations and children’s groups. The event has a competitive edge, as each organisation that enters has the chance to win prize money in the visitors’ vote for the best trees. There is also a special award for the most innovative tree.

Morning coffee, light lunches and teas are served every day throughout the festival in Dickleburgh Church Rooms (next to the church). Group visits are very welcome.

Event organiser Rev Norman Steer said: "I love the Christmas Trees. It is a good week for me. The church expresses its love in a way that people can understand. I want visitors to be themselves and know that they are welcome and will be cared for during their visit. The best part is the smiles on the faces of all ages when they leave. I would particularly like to thank our sponsors, Cherry Lane Garden Centre Pulham Market, Rosedale Funeral Home and TWP Designs for their support."

Dickleburgh village is to the north of Diss, just off the A140. For group bookings and further information tel. 01379 854245 or visit the website at www.50christmastrees.com.